“The children played very well and their regular practice paid off,” said R S Tiwari, executive secretary of Russian Culture Centre that has trained most of the participating students. The winners were Ashi Gupta, Vaibhav Khanna and Harsal Shahi.

For the majority of the players, competing over the computers was a new experience. Seated on a high stool with big screen computer, Nirbhay Nanda, a Class VI student said he played chess on computers only at home. "My parents don't play with me because I beat them at every game," he said with a grin.

When asked if they were excited about playing with foreign students, all the participants shrugged their shoulders. “We have been playing with a lot of foreign kids. This is nothing new,” said Preetika Tayal, a participant. “The win was possible because my parents and school gives me huge encouragement,” Ashi, a Class IX student, said. Ashi has been playing chess for the last four years and had won many tournaments before.

All of eight and a half, Harsal Shahi was the youngest winner of the evening. His game was also the most exciting. "He almost lost the game at the last moment," said Tiwari. Harsal is India's Youngest International Rated Chess Player. Last year, he stood tenth at the World Youth Chess Championship in Turkey.